Travel Tips For Healthy Skin

When we plan to take a trip, we pack what we feel are the essentials; clothing, passport, etc. What many people often forget and shouldn’t is the importance of proper skin care during a long vacation.  Travelers must always remember that your skin reacts differently in different climates, but also that sunscreen should be used no matter where you go rain or shine. The same damaging UV rays will shine through even on the cloudiest days wherever you may be. Here are a few suggestions your skin will really benefit from on your next long flight and throughout your trip.

1)      Try to avoid drinking alcohol on flights. Since alcohol is dehydrating, instead opt for water.

2)      Avoid wearing makeup on long flights. There’s a chance you might end up sleeping, and we all know sleeping with makeup on is a big no-no.  If anything a moisturizing lipstick is acceptable, but I would opt for lip balm instead. Make sure to bring facial moisturizer (less than three ounces of course.) in addition, you should also bring a small mister. Misting your face prior to applying moisturizer will help lock it in.

3)      Lubricating eye drops will help with those sleepy bloodshot eyes when you arrive to your destination. Make sure they’re the kind that replicate actual tears and not just take away redness.

4)      Whenever you have the chance to get up and walk through the aisle, do it. Although it doesn’t have much to do with skin care, it will help with circulation throughout your body to get your blood flowing.  On long flights, your body is more susceptible to blood clots.

5)      You’ll want to make sure you pack a bottle of your favorite facial cleanser in your luggage, as well as a small container of it (3oz or less) in your carry-on. This way if you get separated from your luggage, you won’t have to worry much about using those hotel soaps and creams. You can never be too careful especially if you are someone with sensitive skin like me! Also include a tube of over the counter cortisone cream, just in case you end up with any skin irritations like hives or bug bites.

6)      Once you arrive to your destination and begin your adventure, you’ll want to make sure you keep a few things in your handbag with you once you begin exploring. Healing Ointment: this will be beneficial to keep your hands and lips protected. It will also lessen scaring on any minor cuts or scrapes you might get along your way. Moleskin patches: this will help ease the pain and irritation from blisters that may form as you walk from site to site. Sunscreen: It’s essential that you protect your skin from the harmful UV rays no matter where you are in the world. Even on the cloudiest day they will shine through whether you can see them or not.

Traveling can be such a liberating and eye-opening experience. Taking care of you skin and body is an important part of your travels. Not to say you shouldn’t enjoy yourself, and have fun; just taking the initiative to protect yourself from daily wear and tear should suffice during your trip.

Transfer on the Spot brings you these travel tips as well as the fastest and most effective way out of your timeshare.                                 

Earth Day Traveling: Going Green During Your Vacation

The one day out of the year which is dedicated to conserving nature and being more environmentally friendly is among us.  There are ways that you can maintain a green way of living while you travel. Here are 10 tips to continue making this world and cleaner and better place to see. 

When you fly, try to get on a nonstop flight as the less stops you will have, the less fuel emissions your flight will give off.

  

 When choosing your travel destination, try to choose a place where you can walk, bicycle, or use public transit to get to the sites you want to see. 

  Use less water on your trip. Whether it be taking a shower, or brushing your teeth; try to conserve the water you use when performing these tasks. Also, reusing your hotel sheets and towels eases up on the hotels use of washer and dryers. 

  Trains are usually a good option for traveling between certain points of  your trip, the space on trains make it much easier to compact passengers to ensure more can ride, and fewer trips have to be made. 

  Conserve energy during your next hotel stay. Air conditioning, heating, and lighting use a whole lot of energy. If your room is between 60-78 degrees, it shouldn’t need to be hotter or cooler than that. Keep the lights and TV off if you don’t really need to use them. 

When it comes to your meals try not to be picky. Eat what you find the locals eating in your destination. Also, if you need a guide to show you around town, be sure it’s a local guide to encourage the economic growth. Especially since any western-style meals usually have to be trucked in from a distance. 

  Travel with a group. Traveling in a group usually means a smaller carbon footprint. 

  Go for eco-friendly establishments when choosing your hotel. Many hotels are going green these days, using more energy efficient lighting and equipment. Call the hotel you plan to stay and ask questions, you’ll want to be sure they are a truly eco-friendly place seeing that many hotels will try to convince guests they are eco-friendly in hopes they can get more bookings.

  If you are traveling alone try going for a car rental company that offer electric car rentals. 

      

Say no to bottled water, unless the local tap water is unsafe to drink of course. The billions of dollars spent on bottled water every year could instead be used to ensure better drinking water throughout the world, and save many lives.

We live in a day and age where it is imperative we start taking better care of the environment. With as much pollution we pump into the atmosphere on a daily basis; if everyone took the time and made a little effort to conserve energy, the world would be that much cleaner. Instead of spending hundreds if not thousands on your timeshare maintenance fees and special assessments you could be spending your vacations in one of many eco-friendly destinations around the world. If you are an unlucky timeshare owner looking for a way out, Transfer on the Spot can help you out of your timeshare contract.

Five Travel Apps To Use In Case Of An Emergency

You can be the most careful person, take out all the precautions prior to your vacation, but no matter how well you prepare for your trip; accidents and emergencies can still occur. There are five travel apps for iPhone users that can help save your life in a dire situation while traveling. 

Help Call- This app is perfect for travelers who plan to take a trip abroad. Once you download the Help Call app you can set it so that it will detect your location automatically, and once you press one button it will connect you to the local emergency services. Another option you can set on this app is to call for help just by shaking the iPhone to either emergency services, or to your designated emergency contact.

ICE 4 Travel- Although it is imperative for everyone to keep an I.C.E (in case of emergency) contact on their phone, but this can present a problem when you are abroad in a country where you don’t speak the language. The ICE 4 Travel app is designed to allow users to store info pertaining to allergies, immunizations, medications, emergency contacts, and any other important information that may come in handy in case you are in distress. Best of all, the app translates all this information into seven different languages!  

MPassport- If you’ve ever been to a pharmacy in a foreign country that you don’t speak or understand the language, this app will help find the brand equivalent to the medications you need. It will also translate any medical terms you don’t understand, and help locate doctors, dentists, and hospitals close to your location. 

SaferBus-Believe it or not, some bus companies are deemed “not allowed to operate”. If you plan to travel by way of bus, download the SaferBus app provided free by the Department of Transportation. You will have the ability view safety ratings of different bus companies. If you have already purchased a ticket from an unsavory bus company; now might be the time to cancel that ticket. 

Smart Traveler- Not to be confused with the SmarterTravel app by the State Department, Smart Traveler is an app that keeps you in the loop about travel warnings and alerts relative to the area in which you are traveling along with a “know before you go” tab that will let you know all the entry and exit requirements for the country you plan to visit, and of course where you can find the nearest U.S. embassy. 

Each one of the apps listed above can take you that extra step further to stay safe on your trip no matter how far or close you are to home; unexpected emergencies can happen. Here’s to staying safe and to very happy travels! 

If you are unable to enjoy a real vacation free of worry and frustration due to your unwanted timeshare, Transfer on the Spot will dissolve your timeshare contract and rid you of your maintenance fees and special assessments for good.

Give The Gift of Travel to a Mother in Your Life This Mother’s Day

Several members within the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns have put together special packages for this Mother’s Day.  Through the association, gift certificates may also be purchased which are valid at over 200 member inns located in California. 

 Whether it is you Mother, Mother-in-Law, Wife, Grandmother, or any other kind of mother; this is an excellent gift for the special lady in your life. I am confident she will enjoy one of the many stays you can choose from. Here are just a few of the awesome deals that are being offered. 

Old Monterey Inn- The package offered at Old Monterey is the perfect romantic getaway for two. The lucky mother who receives this gift will be pampered; she will get a two night stay in any room she wishes(prices based on room choice), dinner at one of the many acclaimed restaurants in Monterey, champagne, truffles and roses when she arrives, and a Swedish massage for two. Although some restrictions do apply, the deals at Old Monterey start at around $869.00.

Elk Cove Inn & Spa- A two nights stay at Elk Cove will get you a  20% off discount for Mother’s day and a 10% discount for  a one nights stay. There will be massage discounts offered as part of the Mother’s Day deals, and guests will receive two free passes to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

Sorensen’s Resort-South of Lake Tahoe, you will find Sorensen’s Resort. On Mother’s Day weekend you will receive a third night free in one of the historic cottages. Guests can order up and in room massage and enjoy a relaxing wood-fired Swedish sauna. Not only will guests be able to attend the Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday May 13^th, but they will also be given a complimentary bottle of Champagne during their stay. 

Carmel County Inn-The mother in your life will feel incredibly special as she will be greeted with a fresh bouquet of spring flowers, champagne, chocolates, an array of “mom flick” DVD selections, a breakfast buffet, and to top it off a private in-room 60-minute Sanctuary Massage. This package is added on to the room rate of your choice for an additional $150 plus tax.

Country Inn B&B- With two different Mother’s Day packages to choose from, this B&B located in Fort Bragg will feature a tour called ‘The Ultimate Wine Tour’.  This tour will included a tour of 4-5 Mendocino County wineries including gourmet lunches, sparkling wine, a cheese platter, bottled water, and special discounts on winery products. Guests will have a two-night stay at the Country Inn including a dinner for two at the Mendo Bistro. Another option to choose is the Mother’s Day massage special. This package will feature dinner, a two-night stay, and a 50-minute therapeutic massage. 

Happy Landing Inn- Happy Landing is honoring all mothers this year with a 20% discount on all rooms rates booked for Sunday-Thursday as long as the reservations include a Friday or Saturday. The reservation must be a minimum two-night stay. Breakfast in bed will be included with this offer.

Treat the mother in your life with a special and unique gift this year, instead of taking her to the same boring timeshare which many of us cannot even afford these days anyway. Get out of your timeshare obligations, and get out there to start traveling the world. Transfer on the Spot is here to offer you freedom from your timeshare contract.

Conserve Yosemite National Park By Staying At Tenaya Lodge

Pay a visit to Yosemite National Park not only to vacation, but also to give back. The ‘Yosemite Give Green’ Package is the perfect way for visitors to enjoy the many amazing sites of Yosemite as well as support the conservation of the national park.

Guests who stay at Tenaya Lodge will receive two guided hikes for the price of one and 10% of all proceeds will go to the nonprofit Yosemite Conservancy.  The deal is perfect for the impending National Park Week which lands on the week of April 21^st to the 29^th and of course Earth Day on April 22^nd. 

With your reservation at the lodge you will have the choice of deluxe and cottage room stays for a nightly rate of around $215+ tax. The lodge is conveniently located just two miles away from the park.

Donations are always appreciated in order to conserve the park. The vacation package offer is of course subject to availability and is good through April 30^th, 2012.

While you are stuck in your timeshare, other families are enjoying vacations such as this all while giving back to their communities, the environment, and to the world. Don’t waste another dime on excessive maintenance fees and special assessments. Get out of your timeshare now with Transfer on the Spot.

San Francisco: See the entire city in one day

If you have ever just gotten into a random mood to hop on the city bus and explore a city, San Francisco is the place to do so. However, the best way to make your way around the city in just a few hours is to simply walk!  It might be a challenge for some seeing the city holds many dramatic hills, but make sure to bring water  and to dress in layers. 

If walking really isn’t an option for you, the public transportation here is very affordable and easily accessible.  The thing I love most about the transit system in San Francisco is the fact that is one of the greenest systems in North America with most public transit being electric or hybrid powered. The price for a trip on the MUNI or electric trolleys is only $2.00. Sure beats the prices of a rental car! 

A favored method of public transportation for tourists is one of the many historic street cars. San Francisco has been purchasing historic street cars from around the world for decades. There is also the option of riding one of the many cable cars, which are considered America’s “only moving national historic landmark”. Since 1873, these cable cars have been a main source of transportation for the people of San Francisco, and tourists. Street cars ($2 one way) and cable cars ($6 one way, with option to purchase 1, 3, or 7 days passes) are great for families, with children under the age of 4 riding for free.  You can find maps, and schedules on the San Francisco Cable Car Museum website.

If you are arriving to San Francisco via plane, the easiest way to get through each terminal is by way of the light-rail train although you won’t want to miss walking through the many corridors of the airport contain many art pieces and museum pieces. In order to make your way to the city from the airport, your best bet would be the BART system (Bay Area Rapid Transit). It is a very smooth train ride that will set you back a mere $8.10 to reach downtown SF. Conveniently, you can purchase tickets for the BART through one of many ticket machines that usually accept both cash/coins and credit/debit cards. 

As far as dining in San Francisco goes, you will find many food tours that you can take so that you can also view the major sites around the city. The Little Italy tour in North Beach will set you back about $59 for adults that will include amazing Italian dishes like: fresh baked bread, pizza, pastries, chocolates, and espresso.

San Francisco with its friendly lively diverse culture, incredible art, and history is a definite must for travelers.  If you are stuck in a timeshare contract unable to vacation in areas other than your timeshare, there is a fast and simple solution out of your vacation ownership. Transfer on the Spot will get you out of your timeshare.

Travel Scams Highest In Spring Season

During the busy spring break season and the start to summer vacations; nobody is really safe from the scams that surround the travel industry. From families, grandparents at home, to college students on spring break; everyone is a target. No particular demographic is singled out in this case. Travelers beware, here you will find some of the common travel scams to watch out for, and prevent from happening to you.

Spring break is the time to put away the books and take a break from studying. Many young men and women find themselves traveling to Florida during the spring break season. In Florida, there have been many complaints about scams before travelers even begin to pack. A top scam here comes from travel companies that overly promote destinations in which travelers eventually find to be less appealing than promised.

Another travel scam that targets grandparents which is referred to as the “granny scam” or “emergency scam” is when crooks obtain information about young travelers through social networking, or from belongings left on beach blankets such as I.Ds or Drivers Licenses. As soon as they get ahold of this information, the fraudsters will reach out and contact grandparents of the young traveler and pose as either the grandchild him/herself or claim to be a fellow traveling friend of the grandchild. They might even go as far as to pretend to be a person of authority requesting money be wired to them to post bail or get them out of an emergency situation.

Yet another scam similar to the “Granny/Emergency Scam” is one that comes via the internet through a hacked email account. In this email, the scam artist will claim to be a relative who will tell you their story of being mugged, or losing all their money on vacation somehow. They will then of course ask you to wire them money to get them out of their utterly unfortunate predicament. Before you even think of sending a dime, pick up the phone and call said relative. If they don’t answer, contact a friend who you know is traveling along with them.

There are resources to utilize and of course precautions you and your loved ones should take prior to any trips you take away from each other to prevent scams like these from happening to you. One of the best resources overseas travelers can use is the State Departments Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. The program helps travelers have the ability to be reached at any time in case of any emergency that may occur back home. Also, remember that having a plan with your loved ones is the best thing you can do to prevent these situations. Make your loved ones aware of your hotel information, phone numbers of those traveling with you, and any other alternative contact information you can provide; besides of course always touching base back home with friends and family.

In our world today it seems as though we are surrounded by scams. No matter what industry we refer to. The timeshare industry is another top industry for scammers to take advantage. First, you are not only practically scammed into signing a timeshare contract; you then have to worry about being scammed trying to get out of your timeshare by resale companies who claim they can sell your timeshare immediately for upfront fees. Don’t let yourself become a victim of these scams. Never allow a company to charge you any upfront fees prior to obtaining their services. Get out of your timeshare maintenance fees and special assessments now with Transfer on the Spot; we will not request upfront fees. We are not a resale company. 

Despite Drug Violence In Mexico, Cancun Still Holds Top Spot For Spring Break

Although Mexican tourism has been affected by the drug related violence, this has not stopped many spring breakers from their vacation plans to Cancun.

The pristine weather conditions, turquoise waters, flowing drinks, and low prices were hard to resist for many travelers this spring. Cancun is one location in Mexico which has remained untouched for the most part in relation to the ongoing drug war. It is advised that tourists do not leave the premises of their resort at night.

The drug related violence is not the only factor keeping Americans away from visiting Mexico. Finances are also to blame; which lead to a 4% drop in American tourists visiting Mexico in 2011.

Tourists should always take the upmost precautions while traveling abroad regardless of the scale of violence in the country they visit. Always travel with a large group, and avoid exploring the areas at night.

Transfer on the Spot would like to inform you about the legitimate and worry-free way out of your timeshare contract. 

Traveling With Your Pet Just Got Easier

Traveling with your furry friends has never been easy. Finding an airline that allows pets and booking a hotel stay that will accommodate your needs at the right price is never as simple as you’d like it to be while traveling with your pet.

BringFido.com is an online pet oriented travel agency that helps travelers find the perfect hotels, motels, flights, and even attractions your pets will enjoy. The site will place you in a dog friendly hotel at any destination you plan to travel to around the world.  Another benefit of the site is that they also list different activities in which you can include your pet. Shopping, dog parks, and even restaurants that are pet friendly are just a few you will find listed.

Leaving your pets at home while you vacation can now be a thing of the past. Now that you will have more traveling options with your beloved pooches or felines, get out of your timeshare and see the world. Transfer on the Spot will get you out of your timeshare contract. 

Healthy Eating While Enjoying Your Next Vacation

Sure when you travel it’s usually the time to relax, and enjoy your time away from your responsibilities at home, but you should not forget the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on vacation. Here are a few pointers that will help lessen the chance of coming home with extra baggage around your waistline.

-Upon arriving to your destination, remain physically active by walking to most if not all attractions possible.

           - Instead of stopping for fast food, pack a cooler with healthy sandwiches,     healthy snacks, and lots of bottled water.

           - Limit yourself from eating meals that are high in calories. If you have a craving for a meal that comes in a large sized portion; split it with someone.

        -Most importantly you should eat throughout the day, and avoid skipping meals; this will make you less hungry and less likely to over-eat.

These tips are brought to you in part by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

If you are an unlucky timeshare owner tired of paying maintenance fees and special assessments; Transfer on the Spot will help you out of your timeshare contract. 

Advice For Females Traveling Solo: 9 Tips For A Safe And Successful Journey

Traveling solo is a growing trend for many women around the globe, so it is imperative that women take all precautions while traveling alone to ensure a safe vacation.  Here are 9 tips for women who plan to take a solo trip.

Prepare yourself-Knowing your itinerary like the back of your hand is the first step for a secure trip. Planning ahead as far in advance as possible and researching your destination thoroughly prior to your arrival is a must especially if you are a female traveling alone.  

Don’t Show Your Vulnerability-Displaying fear, uncertainty, or ignorance while in an unfamiliar place can lead to unwanted attention from others who may try to take advantage. It is important that you not look lost while searching for a particular establishment. Approach people who appear to be knowledgeable with the area, and ask confidently which direction you should head. While dining at a restaurant by yourself, bring a book or magazine so that you are not staring off into oblivion as you wait for your meal.

Enjoy Walking Tours, Make Friends With Fellow Tourists!-A great way to stay occupied and learn about your destination is to participate in a walking tour. You will meet plenty of other tourists, and make new friends all while learning about a new place. This will not only make your vacation more entertaining, but you will be less susceptible to unwanted attention.

Stay in Hostels Rather Than Typical Hotels-A great advantage of staying in a hostel as opposed to a hotel is the community events they usually host, and they have common areas in which you can mingle with tourists staying there as well. If you choose to stay at a hotel, you’re in luck as many of the hostels extend their community events to everyone not just their guests.

Dressing Appropriately- It would be wise to become familiar with the way people dress in your destination prior to your trip. Dressing as conservatively as possible will be the best way to blend in, and stay under the radar of strangers who have unfavorable intentions with female tourists.

Keep In Contact With Friends And Family-No matter how many different places are on your itinerary, always let your loved ones back home know your whereabouts. Be sure to always have an emergency contact number with you at all times. In that unfortunate event that tragedy strikes you’ll want a way for yourself or others to be aware of the mis-happenings.

Avoid Negativity From Strangers-Although taunts from males in particular can be rather annoying, the best thing you can do is ignore, and keep moving. Do not engage in situations that will possibly put you in danger.

Find a Female Partner In Crime-Scoping out solo female travelers is a great way to make long lasting friends, and to also have support during your trip. Train rides are a great way to point out fellow female travelers and engage in conversation.

Live In The Moment-Explore, embrace your experiences, and learn something new. Be fun, fearless and confident! Enjoy your trip!

If you find yourself stuck in an unwanted timeshare contract unable to travel the world, Transfer on the Spot will get you out of your timeshare obligations. 

Las Vegas Pools Now Open For The Season

As we move closer in the summer months, Las Vegas is getting ready to cater to all the guests who plan to spend their vacations poolside.

The Strips pool scenes are now open for business. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the open-air clubs, and celebrity DJs. If visitors are looking for a more secluded retreat, they have the option to rent personal cabanas including attentive service. Below you will find the top five best Las Vegas hotel pools, their locations, and their ratings.

                                               Rehab, Hard Rock Hotel-  A+ Rating

The most popular of Las Vegas pool parties is Rehab locatedat Hard Rock. Sundays are the best days to attend. You will be surrounded by attractive bodies, loud music, and a spring break atmosphere that you have always dreamed of. This pool party is more for social drinkers, so anyone who doesn’t drink may feel a bit out of place here. On a less crowded day, you will be able to get a cabana for just around (or possibly under) $1000, but on the busier days you will have to shell out around $2000. House music will be the main type being played along with some hip-hop and rock. Rehab will open on April 22, 2012.

                                           Encore Beach Club, Encore Hotel-  A+ Rating

Known for its superb 1,500 square foot bungalows in all of Vegas, Encore also offers 220 square foot cabanas which are double the size of most in Vegas. The bungalows are priced at around $3-4000 Sun-Sat. The cabanas are priced up to $7000 on a busier weekend and down to $1500 on a less crowded day. Encore Beach Club has opened as of March 17, 2012.

                                     Marquee Day Club, Cosmopolitan Hotel-  A- Rating

A more toned down and smaller club, Marquee is about 22,000 square feet with a rooftop perch (great view!). This is perfect for someone who doesn’t want a crazy a time as they might find at Rehab. 

                                                     Wet Republic, MGM-  A- Rating

If you’re looking for a pool party with a less drunk vibe, Wet Republic might be the pool party choice for you. You will have the option to choose from bungalows, cabanas, stripped down cabanas, day beds, and lounge tables. The bungalows range from around $2000 during the week and $3000 on weekends. The deluxe cabanas range from around $3000 on Saturdays. The lounge tables and day beds can rent out to big parties for around $2000 in food and beverages spend.  Wet Republic has been open as of March 9, 2012.

                                                Ditch Fridays, Palms Hotel-  B Rating

If you go on a good day, you might see a few playboy bunnies roaming around the pool. Ditch Fridays you will find to be less crowded. There are 27 cabanas that can be rented for a price of $1-3000 depending how busy it is, and can seat a group of 10. Daybeds are also offered here for around $1000, and tables are around $600. 

If you're missing out on fun vacations due to your financial timeshare obligations, Transfer on the Spot has the fastest and most effective way out of your timeshare contract.